Upstairs, Emily’s laughter echoed through the house—an innocent, carefree sound that filled Clara with warmth. Eighteen years of scraped knees, bedtime stories, and whispered prayers had all led to this.
Eighteen years of protecting the little girl she had promised to love forever. And now, that could all come crashing down with the opening of a single letter.
Clara pressed her hands flat against the table, squeezing her eyes shut as a wave of fear washed over her.
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She had promised herself she would be strong, but the truth was unbearable. If she opened this envelope, she might lose the only family she had ever known.